Apparatus for supplying energy to a load and a related system

Abstract

Apparatus for supplying energy to a load, comprises a power supply unit (102) e.g. a switched mode electronic transformer or electronic ballast having an input for receiving current at mains frequency and a means for stepping-up said mains frequency to a higher frequency e.g. 30-50 kHz and an output for delivering energy at the higher frequency. A two part connector (108) has a first core portion (106) that has a primary winding (104) connected to the output of the power supply unit and a mating second core portion (112) that has a secondary winding (110) for delivery of energy to a load (114), the core portions being of a high resistivity material, e.g. a ferrite having a resistivity of at least 104 Ωcm. The apparatus may be used to power e.g. low voltage halogen or other incandescent lighting, fluorescent lighting, or an electric motor, a power supply for a computer, radio, television or like electronic device, a heater or the like.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying energy to a load and a related system. More particularly the invention relates to an electrical energy transmission apparatus including a two-part induction connector as a means of delivering energy to electrical appliances for example: lighting equipment, computers, peripheral equipment such as battery re-chargers and printers, office equipment, such as photocopiers and drinks machines. The apparatus and related system may also be used in circuits in buildings such as houses, flats, offices, schools and universities, commercial buildings and the like, as well as in outdoor lanterns and garden lighting. [0002] The invention incorporates a two-part induction connector for coupling energy from an individual primary connector to one or more secondary connector(s), there being in electrical connection with the or each secondary connector one or more electrical appliances, such as a lamp. Alternativ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The invention also provides a two-part induction connector, or primary or secondary portions thereof, for use in apparatus as aforesaid. The aforesaid two-part connector ideally is provided with interengageable formations for establishing a mechanical, as well as an inductive, connection between the two parts and preferably for holding said parts in relative attitudes such that pole pieces of said primary and secondary portions coincide in order to promote efficient inductive coupling.

[0015] Desirably the core material is of a low-loss ferrite that avoids eddy currents and low hysteresis loss and does not become unduly heated at the frequencies at which energy is transmitted to optimize system efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,902 is also generally similar but discloses the use of ferrite cores and transmission frequencies of e.g. 100 kHz but does not disclose transmission of energy for load devices as opposed to electrical signals e.g. for communications purposes at such frequencies and is devoid of detail as to energy supply.

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